When it comes to buying a home or refinancing your current mortgage, the choices can feel overwhelming. Should you work with your bank? Apply online with a national lender? Or choose a local mortgage broker who can shop around on your behalf?

According to Ben Lucero, owner of Indigo Mortgage in Albuquerque, NM, borrowers who partner with a mortgage broker almost always come out ahead. From better rates to smoother closings, brokers act as true advocates for homeowners—something that large, national lenders simply can’t match.

Always on the Borrower’s Side

The most important thing to understand, says Ben Lucero, is that mortgage brokers work for the borrower—not for the bank. That distinction makes all the difference.

“When you go directly to a bank or a big national lender, their loan officers are employees of that company,” Ben Lucero explains. “They represent the lender’s best interest, not yours. But as a mortgage broker, I represent the borrower. I’m your advocate to the lender, not the other way around.”

This borrower-first mindset means that when problems arise—such as appraisal delays, underwriting questions, or documentation issues—a broker steps in to resolve them quickly and fairly. A bank employee, by contrast, is bound by corporate rules and can only offer what’s on their company’s rate sheet.

At Indigo Mortgage, Ben Lucero and his team handle every challenge with one goal in mind: protecting the borrower’s best outcome. Whether that means finding another lender, negotiating better terms, or troubleshooting complex loan conditions, Indigo Mortgage puts clients first 100% of the time.

Access to Multiple Lenders and Better Rates

One of the biggest advantages of working with a mortgage broker is access to a variety of lenders. Instead of being tied to a single institution, Indigo Mortgage partners with many different wholesale lenders nationwide.

“If one lender can’t get a loan done, we can easily move it to another,” says Ben Lucero. “That flexibility is a huge benefit for borrowers.”

This ability to shop multiple lenders means that Indigo Mortgage can find the most competitive rates and loan programs available on the market. Banks and national lenders, on the other hand, can only offer whatever rates appear on their own internal sheet that day—which may not be the best a borrower can get.

For example, one lender might have the lowest rate for a conventional loan, while another specializes in VA or FHA programs. A mortgage broker like Ben Lucero can evaluate all of them, then match borrowers with the best fit based on credit score, home type, and financial goals.

It’s this flexibility that often allows Indigo Mortgage to save borrowers thousands of dollars over the life of a loan.

Personal, Local Service in Albuquerque, NM

Another reason borrowers prefer Indigo Mortgage is its local, face-to-face service. Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the team understands the local housing market—from Rio Rancho and Los Lunas to Santa Fe and beyond.

“Big national lenders treat borrowers like a number,” says Ben Lucero. “At Indigo Mortgage, you’ll talk to real people who live right here in your community. We know the local appraisers, title companies, and real estate agents. That local knowledge helps make the process faster and smoother.”

For homebuyers, that means fewer surprises and more confidence. For homeowners refinancing in Albuquerque, it means faster turnaround times and access to trusted professionals who understand New Mexico’s unique property values, taxes, and lending requirements.

And because Indigo Mortgage is an independent, locally owned company, borrowers can expect transparency and accountability at every step. “We rely on word-of-mouth and repeat business,” Ben Lucero says. “We’re not some call center hundreds of miles away—we’re your neighbors.”

Education and Transparency Every Step of the Way

One of Ben Lucero’s core values is education. Many borrowers don’t fully understand how mortgage rates work, or why one lender’s quote might look different from another’s. Indigo Mortgage takes the time to explain those details clearly—without jargon or hidden fees.

“When you call Indigo Mortgage, we’ll go over every part of the loan process with you,” says Lucero. “We explain what affects your interest rate, what closing costs mean, and how your credit score factors in. Knowledge is power, and we want our borrowers to make informed decisions.”

That transparency extends to rate comparisons as well. Ben Lucero encourages borrowers to get multiple quotes and compare them side-by-side. “We send you our best deal first,” he says. “Then, if you want to show us what another lender offered, we’ll help you analyze it. We want you to feel confident you’re getting the best possible loan.”

A Broker’s Advantage in Problem-Solving

Mortgage transactions can be complex, especially if a borrower has unique circumstances—such as self-employment, a recent job change, or a non-traditional property. In those cases, Ben Lucero says brokers truly shine.

“Banks tend to have very rigid guidelines,” he explains. “If your situation doesn’t fit inside their box, they’ll simply deny the loan. But brokers can find creative solutions and match you with a lender who specializes in your type of loan.”

Whether it’s a jumbo loan, investment property, or VA mortgage, Indigo Mortgage has the flexibility to find the right path forward. That’s something most banks can’t offer.

The Local Difference: Indigo Mortgage’s Commitment to New Mexico

For more than 20 years, Indigo Mortgage has served Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and communities across New Mexico, building a reputation for honesty, integrity, and outstanding customer service. Ben Lucero and his team believe that doing what’s right for the borrower isn’t just good business—it’s the only way to do business.

That philosophy has made Indigo Mortgage one of New Mexico’s most trusted independent mortgage brokers. The company’s local roots mean that decisions aren’t made by out-of-state executives—they’re made by people who live and work right here in the same community as their clients.

“Helping New Mexicans achieve homeownership is what we love to do,” says Ben Lucero. “When someone calls us back years later for another refinance or to help their kids buy a home, that’s the biggest compliment we could receive.”

Why Brokers Are Better

To sum it up, mortgage brokers like Indigo Mortgage offer:

• A borrower-first approach—your interests always come first.
• Access to multiple lenders and loan programs for better rates.
• Flexibility to switch lenders if one can’t make the loan work.
• Local expertise and personalized service in Albuquerque and across New Mexico.
• Transparent, educational guidance from start to finish.

Working with a broker means working with someone who’s truly on your side—from the first conversation to the final signature.

Get in Touch with Ben Lucero at Indigo Mortgage

If you’re ready to see what a mortgage broker can do for you, reach out to Ben Lucero and the team at Indigo Mortgage in Albuquerque, NM today. Whether you’re refinancing, buying your first home, or exploring VA and FHA loans, they’ll help you find the best rate and loan terms available.